Matthew J. Rutkowski

MATTHEW J. RUTKOWSKIJune 3, 2019
It is with great sadness that the family of Matthew J. Rutkowski announces his passing. Matthew passed away peacefully June 3rd 2019 from natural causes while in hospice care in Ohio, he was 84 years old. He is survived by his three children: Sheree McCurley, Robin (and Scott) Brennan, Matthew P. (and Brandy) Rutkowski and 6 grand children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Rutkowski.
Born in Utica, New York, Matthew attended Utica Free Academy where he played football and ran track; going on to receive his college degree at Eastern Oakland A & M. From an early age, he was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman. He was a conservationist; understanding nature and the interaction people have with the environment. A highlight of his sportsman activities was catching the NY State largemouth bass record which he held for over a decade. In 1957, he went into the Navy starting his lifelong career of flying. He served on the USS Saratoga until 1961. He continued flying in the reserves for another 8 years. In 1964, he was hired by a small airline - Allegheny Airlines ultimately retiring from US Airways in 1994.
His achievements in aviation included:
• 1,300 military flt. hrs
• 2 cruises aboard USS Saratoga as a Special Weapons Pilot
• 200 carrier landings as attack pilot flying AD-6 1958-61.
• 23,000 commercial flt. hrs.
• 30 Yrs. as Captain on DC-9, MD80, 757, and 767.
Matthew was a committed husband and dedicated father. He will be greatly missed.
Calling hours will be held Friday June 21st between 4pm and 7pm at Ayer & Zimmer Funeral Home, 38 Sullivan St. in Cazenovia, NY . A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St James Catholic Church in Cazenovia on Saturday June 22nd at 10am. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Cazenovia. Due to Matthew’s love of the outdoors, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to an environmental charity such as the Sierra Club Foundation (www.sierraclubfoundation.com.
AYER & ZIMMER F.H.
CAZENOVIA 315-655-8101

Jan

Michael Rothfeld

12 Jun 2019

Mr. Rutkowski was a wonderful man with the most unique and infectious laugh ever heard. He taught me everything I know about fishing and will forever be in my thoughts as I cast a line into the water with my own children, remembering the way he used to do the same with me. RIP Mr. Rutkowski, you will be sorely missed!